Relief Plaque of Hindu Deity, Probably Processional: Face of a Deity

Relief Plaque of Hindu Deity, Probably Processional: Face of a Deity

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

These "masks" were likely intended for use in the creation of lifelike effigies of the gods, the metal face to be affixed to a carrying frame and the figures dressed in textiles. Such constructions were intended for processional use, as seen in related practices in the Hindu communities of Himachal Pradesh, in the western hills of north India, where image-palanquins of this type are carried by devotees during festivals.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Relief Plaque of Hindu Deity, Probably Processional: Face of a DeityRelief Plaque of Hindu Deity, Probably Processional: Face of a DeityRelief Plaque of Hindu Deity, Probably Processional: Face of a DeityRelief Plaque of Hindu Deity, Probably Processional: Face of a DeityRelief Plaque of Hindu Deity, Probably Processional: Face of a Deity

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.